1. Plural of hardball; solid balls used in the sport of baseball, typically made of cork and rubber covered with leather.
Usage: countable; sports
2. Tough, aggressive, or uncompromising tactics or behavior, especially in politics or business.
Usage: figurative; informal

Examples

• The pitcher threw several hardballs during the game.
• The team practiced catching hardballs in the outfield.
• The negotiations turned into hardballs when both sides refused to budge.
• Politicians often play hardballs during election season.
• She decided to play hardballs in the business deal to get better terms.
• The coach demanded that players be ready to field hardballs at any moment.